By Rachael Ward in Melbourne

A crowd of ticketholders watched on in horror as good Samaritans rushed to help a man who died on the opening night of a major comedy festival.

An audience member suffered a medical episode at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda on Wednesday night, organisers of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival said in a statement.

AAP understands the man was sitting towards the back of the theatre and other members of the crowd attempted to give him emergency care for about 10 minutes before paramedics arrived and the show was stopped.

One audience member, who did not wish to be identified, said it felt “wrong” to hear laughter from other patrons sitting closer to the stage who were unaware of the tragedy unfolding at the back of the venue that seats almost 2900 people.

“People started leaving on their own accord in groups by the second act, particularly as CPR was going on which you could see,” the audience member told AAP.

“Ambulance was there and you could hear the defibrillator sounds from across the room.

“Lighting was dark though still light enough to see that a lady and man were interchanging doing chest compressions.”

She said it was a tough situation as emergency services needed to be able to easily access the patient, yet she felt it could have been handled better.

“It felt wrong for laughter to be occurring at such a time,” she added.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics responded to an emergency call about 8pm.

Victoria Police is not treating the death of the unidentified man as suspicious and investigators will prepare a report for the coroner.

Theatre operator Live Nation said the organisation is deeply saddened by the death.

“Our thoughts are with their family during this difficult time,” it said.

“We are grateful to our staff and the patrons who acted quickly to provide first aid, and the first responders on site for their swift and professional assistance.”

Melbourne International Comedy Festival said the medical emergency occurred during Opening Night Allstars Supershow.

“The show was stopped and cancelled. The Festival will be in touch with all ticket holders,” organisers said.

Comedians and audience members took to social media to express sorrow and concern about the how the incident was handled.

“All performers thoughts are with the family affected,” Dave Hughes wrote.

The rest of the festival will continue as planned.